Health&Wellness Magazine August 2014 | Page 18

18 & August 2014 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | Back to School Health By Fiona Young-Brown Where does the time go? Already it’s August and in just a few weeks we’ll be seeing the familiar yellow school buses as kids go back to class. You’ve no doubt already bought everything on their back-to-school list: the proper color folders, pencils, etc. But have you made sure that everything on their health list is done? After all, you want your child to be in the best health possible, especially as they are exposed to other children’s germs. If your child is starting a new school, be sure to check any immunization requirements with your school district. Some districts may require a flu shot in addition to the regular list of shots, or perhaps an MMR booster. When was the last time your child had their eyes checked? Many eye issues go undetected until the child is moving closer and closer to the front of class, trying to see what is on the board. Furthermore, studies show that kids who can’t see well, don’t perform as well in school. Don’t wait for your child to tell you about a problem (they often won’t). Take them for a simple eye exam before class begins so that you have time to sort out corrective lenses, if needed. Is your emergency contact info at the school up to date? Lots of families move house or change phone numbers, leaving school staff unable to contact them if there is an emergency. Pain relief now! Health for a lifetime. Chiropractic Care, Nutritional Counseling, Corrective Exercise and Spinal Posture Screenings Dr. Rob Kennedy B.S., D.C. 859-275-1962 340 Legion Rd., Suite #2 Lexington, KY 40504 www.cpiclexington.net @healthykentucky SCHOOL Continued on Page 47 When you need the best in Urologic care, isn’t it nice to know you don’t need to leave home? Lexington • DanviLLe • FrankFort • Mount SterLing • richMonD • SoMerSet • WincheSter Chiropractic Pain and Injury Center Also make sure they have contact information for your doctor and dentist. And if your child has been prescribed any new medications during the school holidays, let the nurse Like us know. Also be sure to let them know of any allergies or new diagnoses. What about ensuring their health once they are back in class? Have you considered three big problems that may go unnoticed: 1. Mental health. Your child may be dying to get back to school and catch up with friends, but chances are, they’re experiencing more than a few nerves. If headaches or unexplained stomach aches suddenly appear during that first week back, it may just as likely be an expression of fear about returning to school. Reassure your child that a few jitters are perfectly normal and that once they get back with their friends, everything will be fine. If your child is starting a new school, highlight the opportunities to make new friends and begin new adventures. Be aware, though, that if the phantom aches continue after a few weeks, there may be a bigger issue at hand. Let your child know that they can come to you if they are experiencing bullying, and watch out for the signs so that you can step in. 2. Back problems. It is a sad fact that more and more children are developing back problems due to being overburdened with school books and heavy backpacks. Since spinal problems can lead to a host Sugar Free All-Natural Blackberry Ingredient Find us at your local or online at www.four-tigers.com With convenient locations throughout Central Kentucky, Commonwealth Urology offers patients a full range of urologic services: • Adult and Pediatric Urology • Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal • Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction • Incontinence • Prostate Cancer • Kidney Stones - Lithotripsy For more information, visit LexingtonClinic.com/urology A Part of Lexington Clinic